The Deschutes Land Trust completed pile burning on approximately 5 acres at Whychus Canyon Preserve last week. The burning completes the Land Trust’s first phase of fuels reduction and habitat restoration work and was conducted by GFP Enterprises. The Preserve remained open to visitors during the burning and impacts due to smoke were minimal.

The burn piles consisted primarily of small diameter juniper that were thinned as part of a 100 acre restoration project initiated in 2012. Whychus Canyon Preserve was acquired by the Land Trust in 2010 to conserve and restore fish and wildlife habitat. Thinning encroaching juniper from ponderosa pine and aspen stands improves wildlife habitat and helps protect nearby subdivisions from the threat of wildfire.

The pile burning was completed in consultation with the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and in compliance with ODF’s smoke management plan. Many thanks to ODF for their help in restoring the forests of Whychus Canyon Preserve.